Monthly Guide
☀️ Your Guide to July in Madison
July 1, 2026 · – Rob Thomas
Happy July, Madison! We made it to the back half of 2026 and there’s so much to do in Madison this month, whether you want to stay cool inside or get outside and enjoy the heat. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, the team talks about favorite things to do and eat in July, along with our hacks for beating the heat in Madison.
Meanwhile, here’s this special newsletter devoted to what’s happening in Madison this month and how to make the most of it. Enjoy!
Life Hacks To Make the Most of July
🍨 Ice Cream Hits the Sweet Spot
You scream, we scream, we all scream...actually, we spoke in a normal tone of voice when the City Cast Madison team ranked and rated 10 ice cream and custard flavors from local shops, from tried and true faves to unusual new concoctions.
🎉 The Center for Black Excellence Opens Its Doors
The much-awaited new Center for Black Excellence and Culture opened its doors a few weeks ago, a hub to celebrate and inspire creativity and entrepreneurship. Beginning on July 1, the center will officially start booking guided public tours of its theaters, workspaces, and other amenities.
🧺 How to Picnic Right at American Players Theatre
The Tony Award-winning American Players Theatre’s season up in Spring Green is in full swing. And there’s no better guide than Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians, who came on the podcast to run down what plays are up at APT and what to pack in your picnic basket.
⚽ Where to Watch the World Cup
The FIFA World Cup runs through July 19, and Madisonians have been getting together to watch the matches. Here’s the best places in town to get together with other fans, from watch parties at Breese Stevens Field to sports bars who are going international.
Get These Tickets Now (Before It’s Too Late)
July 2: Puppeteers For Fears, The Bur Oak
July 7-8: Phish, Kohl Center
July 7-8: Armchair Boogie, Majestic Theatre
July 10: Zebra 50, Atwood Music Hall
July 12: Lucy Dacus, The Sylvee
July 15: Lyle Lovett & His Small Large Band, Capitol Theater
July 17: Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, High Noon Saloon
July 19: AC/DC, Camp Randall
July 21: The Head and the Heart, The Sylvee
July 25: Kaki King, The Bur Oak
July 28-Aug. 2: The Great Gatsby, Overture Hall
That’s all for July! Have a great month, stay cool, and thanks for reading City Cast Madison!
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